Cutting-Edge Tools for Metal Drilling: An Overview

Be it the manufacturing of a small mechanical part or an aircraft, metal drilling is essential. It refers to drilling holes in the metal to help join parts or create cutting-edge tools with the metal. If you manufacture a metal product and want to ensure the quality, you must know that precise, efficient, and high-quality drills are needed, which minimize waste and assure accuracy.

In this blog, we will explore the advancements in metal drilling technology and the innovative tools that have revolutionized the process. From drill bits to drilling machines, let’s delve into the world of cutting-edge tools for metal drilling.

For metal drilling services in Albuquerque, contact Mew Mexico Metals LLC only.

High-Speed Steel Drill Bits (HSS)

HSS drills are popular in the drilling world as they are known for their efficiency. These drills contain carbon alloys and other alloying elements such as tungsten and molybdenum. These alloys provide enhanced hardness, heat resistance, and durability, making HSS drill bits suitable for drilling through various metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper alloys.

Advancements in HSS drill bits have resulted in improved geometries and coatings. Enhanced flute designs enable efficient chip evacuation, reducing heat buildup and extending tool life. Additionally, advanced coatings like titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) enhance the drill bit’s hardness, wear resistance, and lubricity, resulting in faster cutting speeds and improved performance.

Carbide Drill Bits

For tougher metals, you need something tough to drill with. That’s why carbide drill bits are used for metal drilling, as they can easily drill tougher metals.

These bits are exceptionally hard and heat resistant. Made of carbide, tungsten, and carbon, they drill tough materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and hardened steel.

When the two tough metals collide, it produces considerable heat, but carbide drills have high wear resistance and can withstand high temperatures during drilling, thus offering superior performance. The hardness and heat resistance combination allows carbide drill bits to maintain sharpness for longer durations, resulting in improved productivity and reduced downtime. When you must choose between carbide or cobalt drill bits, go for carbide drill bits as they stay sharper for longer.

Cobalt Drill Bits

These are a perfect substitute for carbide drill bits as they are heat resistant and can cut through hard metals, including copper, brass, stainless steel, hardened steel, cast iron, etc. Cobalt is the alloying element in these bits. These are a mixture of high-speed steel and 5-8% cobalt.

These drills are better than HSS drills due to cobalt which makes them extremely impactful on the metal and ensures extra strength and durability. These are wear-resistant and heat-resistant. Besides cutting hard metals, cobalt drill bits can also cut softer materials like wood and plastic.

Diamon-Coated Drill Bits

Diamond is made of carbon, the hardest known natural element. It is used for various processes, such as medical appliances, cutting machines, etc. Diamond-coated drills are used for drilling hard materials, such as glass, composites, and ceramics. Diamond-coated drill bits feature a layer of industrial-grade diamond particles on the cutting surface, which provides exceptional hardness and wear resistance. It can be said that diamond-coated drill bits can cut through anything smoothly and effectively.

The diamond particles give the drills the required hardness and impact, which ensures that holes are precise and efficient. There is no chipping or cracking of the material. Accuracy is the added benefit of these bits. There is no noise or excessive scrap produced.

In addition, these drill bits are suitable for every working environment.

Advanced Drilling Methods

Advanced drilling machines, besides the drill bits, have also revolutionized metal drilling services in Albuquerque.

CNC or Computer Numerical Controlling machines use computer programs to place holes accurately and allow for precise control and automation of the drilling process. The computer itself monitors the entire drilling operation, and there is no place for human error. It improves productivity in drilling operations as the machine ensures consistent hole placement and depth.

Magnetic drilling machines, also known as mag drills, are portable and efficient tools for drilling holes in metal. These machines use a strong electromagnet to secure the drill onto the workpiece, providing stability and precision. Mag drills are commonly used in construction, fabrication, and maintenance applications where portability and versatility are essential.

Metal Drilling Services in Albuquerque

Evolving with time and incorporating new technologies in the processes is necessary for businesses to survive. Thus, at New Mexico Metals LLC, we always employ state-of-the-art technology to complete operations. We believe in delivering quality; therefore, we have a ¾ HP 17” Dayton Press drill to drill any hole size. We are here for you, no matter what metal or material you need to be drilled.

Visit us for quality metal drilling services in Albuquerque!